This rally in Yorba Linda cannot be described as anything but a hate-fest. The protestors purportedly objected to the speakers at this particular banquet by ICNA Relief with the following hateful responses:

1. They yelled at seven and ten year old kids calling them terrorists

2. They uttered obscenities calling the Prophet of Muslims, Mohammad (may peace be upon him): “a pervert, a child molester, a fraud, a false prophet”.

3. They repeatedly chanted, “terrorists go back home” (while many attendees live in the area)

4. They deliriously yelled out “no sharia, “do you beat up your wife, are you a molester – you are aren’t you, why don’t you go beat up your wife like you do every night, go marry a nine year old, take your sharia and go home eat sand, “. This is hardly a discourse of sane people.

5. Congressman Royce suggested how multiculturalism has paralyzed our society and called for critical judgment to prosper as a society. The question is did he himself use critical judgment by showing up to this hate-fest?

6. You told the crowd: “…..i’m proud of you and proud of what you’re doing”.

7. The most disturbing of it all are the comments of Villa park Councilwoman Deborah Pauley: “…..I know quiet a few marines who would be very happy to help these terrorists to an early meeting in paradise”. She was of course referring to the attendees at the banquet that were all peaceful and law abiding residents and American citizens. These comments were met with the most jubilant applause by the protestors.

On the positive side, many members of the interfaith movement rallied around the Muslims community with expressions of heart-felt support. Others contacted these elected officials to let them know that such bigotry is totally inappropriate. As a Friend, I condemn all hate speech and stand in loving solidarity with my Muslim brothers and sisters, and am praying that those whose hearts have been darkened by hatred and ignorance may see the Light of Divine Love.

Here’s a very uplifting report from the Council on American-Islamic Relations:

(ANAHEIM, CA, 3/4/11)- The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today expressed gratitude for the tremendous support expressed by Americans nationwide toward the event-goers at a Muslim charity event as well as the American Muslim community.

The support came in response to a video released by CAIR-LA of a protest rally at an ICNA Relief fundraising dinner, which was organized to raise money for women’s shelters and to alleviate homelessness and hunger in the U.S.

The video went viral over the internet and garnered more than 400,000 views within two days.

Following is a sampling of the messages phoned in and e-mailed to the CAIR-LA office:
■“When I saw this tape last night – I was brought to tears. The viciousness of the crowd is outdone only by the ignorance and hate that spews from the mouths of the frightened sheep that call themselves elected officials…The only thing that was missing in the crowd were the dogs and fire hoses from the Civil Rights movement so many years ago.” - Richard C.

■“With tears streaming down my cheeks after watching the hateful treatment of your fundraising event, I would like to express my sincere outrage that Americans think and behave in these despicable ways. If I could travel to LA from Georgia today, I would want to personally hug each and every person who had to witness this crowd - who have been convinced by the systematic pounding of media disinformation to fear and hate.”

- Darlene

■“Thank you so much for releasing the video and increasing my awareness of the bigotry and xenophobia in our society. I am deeply grieved and outraged by what I saw. Those protesters do not speak for me and I am deeply shamed that they used patriotism as an excuse to degrade your community.” - Anne, Michigan

■“It sickens me to witness that much hate so close to my house….We all come from the same family tree, just on a different branch. Please inform if there’s anything I can do. I’m sorry for writing this email over a situation like this. No one should have to tolerate hatred like this, especially at a dinner benefiting a greater America.” -Jesse R.

■“I just wanted to communicate my utter disgust. As a Japanese American, I believe my community has much in common with the Muslim community especially in our post 9/11 society. There are a great many of us, from all backgrounds, who are completely disgusted with the protestors and what they did and support ICNA, CAIR, and the Muslim community.”

- Daren M.

■“As a citizen of the United States I respect the right of others to protest, however I strongly condemn their hateful words, intolerance and ignorance. It is truly an insult to the flag of the United States and all it stands for to be flown behind the hatred of these protestors…As a Catholic Christian and a proud citizen of the United States, I respect and support your right to practice your religion, honor the Prophet, and encourage your members to invest in charitable works in their community.” - Anonymous

■“The League of United Latin American Citizens of Long Beach condemns the intolerance and bigotry of the people who shouted at and otherwise abused our brothers and sisters and young ones at the dinner. We firmly pledge to stand with you in this time of need.”

■“I commend the bravery and steadfastness of those Muslims who had the courage to attend the charity event even while being lashed out at by ignorant and tasteless bigots. Those protesters do not represent the majority of Americans and I do not even see how they can call themselves Americans.” – Jonathan A.

■“It upset me to see how horrible those protesters were. I am from North Dakota and would just like to extend my friendship and support. Have a great day!” - Dustin

■“I’m from Yorba Linda, I’ve lived there all my life, and I’ve never seen anything like this before. I’m away at school right now, and I’m not sure I want to go home for spring break now that I’ve seen what happened. I recently returned to the U.S. from a study abroad program in Cairo, Egypt, where I spent five months living safely and happily surrounded by people who I realize now would be scorned and hated were they to move to my home community.”

- Anonymous

“I’ve known Muslims all my life. They’re good people. Terrorists don’t represent Islam any more than Tim McVeigh represents Christianity. I am so thankful to my family for raising me to love my fellow humans. I just don’t see how these people get up in the morning with so much poison, hatred in their hearts.” -Anonymou
■“Please take some comfort in knowing that not all non-Muslims are like this. I am going away this summer to help some orphaned Muslim children in another country. My goal is NOT to convert them to anything else. I’ve been studying Islam to be a good role model for them. My goal is to figure out how I can help them. I want to find a way to ensure that they have opportunities to get an education and to DREAM about what they can do with their lives in the future…” - Brandy, Texas

■“The ignorance demonstrated by the protesters shown on the YouTube footage does not reflect the views of most Americans. Sadly, as is so often the case, it’s the hatemongers who make their voices most clearly heard. There are many people in this country that are aware of the true nature of Islam, i.e., a religion that promotes peace and tolerance. Sadly, the ignorant few are too easily led.” - Alastair

■“I’m a white American and disgusted that those people have anything in common with me. The feminist news site I frequent IS spreading the word about what happened, and so am I, and so are my friends. You are not alone. We are bearing witness to what happened to you, and we are upset.” - Laura, Oregon

■“It’s very unlike me to sit down and write spontaneously but I just saw the video footage of the anti-Muslim ‘demonstration’ in Orange County last month which moved me to tears. Please know that these people demonstrating are only a tiny minority of stupid, stupid ignorant people. I’m so sorry for the way Islam is being made a scape-goat for many of the problems in this world.” - Mark, United Kingdom

■“I noticed that there is another charity event in Garden Grove this Sunday evening to provide relief for Libya. I am hopeful that there isn’t any anticipated protests, but I would like to offer any help I can to act as a human buffer, escort or counter protest as necessary. I can’t help but remember those in Egypt who protected one another during prayer — I would be honored to do the same so that folks could practice their faith in offering charity. Blessings to you all.” - Leia S.

■ ”I myself, am not religious… I do not believe in an afterlife…I believe in what I see and base my hopes and desires with what I can achieve with my two hands and abilities. Regardless of what I believe… the spewing of illogical hate-mongering bigotry in this video has made me feel the need to reach out to you. From a white American born in California please pass my condolences to the families present at the gathering. I support your views of religion and the world.” – David D.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

About Anthony Manousos

I am a Quaker peace activist, teacher and author, my most recent book being "Transformative Quakers" and "Howard and Anna Brinton: Reinventors of Quakerism in the 20th century." I serve on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Friends World Committee for Consultation and Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace. I love biking, hiking in the mountains, going to museums and art galleries, Classical music, jazz, and being with friends. For twelve years I edited a Quaker magazine called "Friends Bulletin" (now called "The Western Friend") and edited four books and wrote several pamphlets for Quakers. I have taught at numerous colleges and universities, including Carleton College, Rutgers, Pepperdine, UC San Bernardino, San Bernardino Valley College, etc. I am a certified spiritual director through a spiritual direction program called "Stilpoint." I reside in Pasadena with wife Jill Shook, who has published a book on affordable housing (makinghousinghappen.com). We have a lovely garden, citrus and fig trees, a grape arbor, cats named Miss Rosie and Dr. Pepper, and three Arucana chickens.